From fossil fuels to renewable energy — who delivers prosperity and salvation to our planet?

Nuoya Yang

Abstract

Fossil fuels are among the most amazing gifts that God has endowed to human being. The chemical and energy derived from these “black gold” have been feeding our desire for economic growth. However, heavy dependence on fossil fuels and skyrocketing usage also result in environmental pollution, global warming and energy security crisis. Realizing all these problems, people turned to renewable energy resources to meet the ever-increasing needs for both current and future generation. In this presentation, I will introduce my research as an example of how we could convert fossil fuels and biomass into clean transportation fuels and valuable chemicals. I will present how I see scientific progress as interplay between God’s providence and human endeavor. Instead of attributing the development of such energy materials to purely human wisdom, I think it is God who provides everything we need for prosperity and guides solutions to the problems resulting from human’s limited wisdom and sinful nature.

Bio

Nuoya Yang is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering department at Stanford University. After joined Bent research group in Chemical Engineering department in early 2012, she has been conducting experimental research on catalytic materials. Her research interest is focused on understanding the mechanism of catalyst systems for energy applications. Before coming to Stanford, she graduated from Peking University in China with a major in Materials Chemistry. She has been very interested in exploring natural science ever since childhood. Besides academic research, she is also passionate for the evolution of energy resources and the interaction among energy, global climate and the society.

About Passion Talks

Passion Talks are short talks by Christian grad students,
academics and professionals considering how their faith intersects
with and impacts their work.
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